His Untold Lies

Chapter 17 Fish Soup

Kia woke up at nine in the morning to the sound of commotion outside her window.

"What's all that noise? Is someone cooking? It sounds like chopping," she mumbled groggily.

"Hon... darling? Rise and shine! I've whipped something up for you," Ares' voice called out from the kitchen. He appeared a minute later, entering the room with a cup of tea in hand.

"It looks like you're not feeling well. That's why I brewed some brown sugar ginger tea for you. Be careful, it's hot," Ares said with an air of pride, his smile unyielding. Kia, still in a half-asleep state, decided to sit up and try to make sense of the situation around her.

"Come on, have a sip. It should help ease the pain you're experiencing right now," Ares urged.

Kia gingerly tasted the tea Ares had prepared. "It's so warm... It's soothing."

"Really? That's fantastic! Did you know it took me numerous attempts to get it just right? I either boiled it into a blackened lump or reduced it to a thick paste in previous tries. But after several attempts, I finally got a decent batch! Does it taste good?" Ares asked, sporting a grin and basking in his own accomplishment.

"Yes, it's really good! Thank you for doing this for me!" Kia expressed her gratitude.

Inside Ares, it felt like fireworks were going off. He could sense an anxious excitement building within him, causing his face to flush bright red. His heart raced silently, pumping warm blood to his cheeks, and he was afraid he might appear like an awkward fool.

"It's, uh, no big deal! I just wanted to help alleviate your pain... By the way, I have something sweeter for you," Ares said with a mischievous grin.

"Wait! What are you-"

Before Kia could finish her sentence, Ares impulsively pulled her into a gentle kiss. Her eyes widened in surprise, and for a moment, she didn't know how to react. Slowly, she closed her eyes and allowed Ares to lead the way. They parted their lips, gazing into each other's eyes, and it was then that Kia started to grasp the situation.

"What just happened?"

Ares chuckled nervously, "Heh, I couldn't resist! I'd been dreaming about that for a while, and now I've actually done it! Honey, just rest for now. I'll whip up some breakfast. Wait for me..." With that, he headed out, leaving the door ajar.

...

KIA

I can't believe that he kissed me. In front of my brown sugar ginger tea! You piece of filth! You are always trying to get a free ride! Somehow... I really feel comfortable when he acts like this. He is like medicine. I don't feel any pain now...

I closed my eyes and let my sleepiness lead me back to my dreams.

...

As Kia peacefully resumed her slumber, Ares turned his attention to a YouTube cooking tutorial. He leaned in, fully engaged in the video.

"First, you want to slice the fish fillets into 1-inch-wide strips and place them in a bowl. Add a tablespoon of fish sauce and some cornstarch, give it a good toss to ensure an even coating," the video instructed.

Ares absorbed the instructions as he watched, taking mental notes. The video continued, guiding him through the process.

"Next, heat up some oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add shallots and cook them until they soften, which should take about 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic for another 30 seconds. Add tomatoes, ginger, chile, fish skeleton, and head, along with 2 quarts of water. Increase the heat to high and bring it to a simmer. Once it's simmering, lower the heat and let it cook, uncovered, for an hour. Afterward, remove the fish skeleton and head, and discard them..."

Ares nodded to himself, absorbing the details. The video continued to demonstrate the cooking process in detail.

"That's how it's done!" Ares exclaimed, his eyes focused on the screen. With newfound culinary inspiration, he gathered the necessary ingredients and set about preparing the fish soup.

...

Kia woke to the delightful aroma of Ares' cooking wafting through the air. She stretched, feeling the freshness of a new day beginning to wash over her. She opened her window, greeted by a beautiful day that seemed like the start of a new chapter in her life. After taking in the view for nearly a minute, she decided it was time to start her day. She headed for a refreshing shower and selected an outfit for the day: a white mini dress adorned with an embossed floral print, featuring a square collar, short sleeves, a slim waist, and a side zip fastener.

"Wow! Something smells delicious. I wonder what Ares is cooking..."

...

KIA

I ventured into the kitchen to witness Ares in action. Despite the dramatic and unexpected start to our marriage, I could sense that we were settling into the role of a real couple. His kindness, like cooking for me, warmed my heart. I felt truly fortunate to have him as my husband.

"Chef Ares, what's cooking? The aroma pulled me out of bed!"

Ares, startled by my presence, quickly turned toward me. "Ah, you're up already! I'm making fish soup for you. How are you feeling? Is the pain still bothering you?"

"No, I'm feeling much better now."

I drew nearer to inspect the simmering fish soup. It looked absolutely delicious.

"That's good to hear. Please, have a seat. The fish soup will be ready soon," he replied with a warm smile. "Oh, by the way, your friend Miaree called earlier. I answered and told her you wouldn't be going to school today due to your period cramps."

Miaree called so early in the morning? She must have been concerned about my absence.

"I'll wait for you in the living room," I informed Ares before heading back to the room to retrieve my phone. Just as I was about to reach it, the phone started ringing. A call from Miaree?

[Kianna, you finally answered! The school is in chaos!]

"What do you mean, in chaos? So, I really don't have to go to school today and tomorrow?"

[Girl, this is serious! There are rumors spreading about you and Nathan Zac Ramirez! They're saying someone saw you with Nathan in the girls' restroom! Is it true?]

I was taken aback, my mind racing. Someone saw me with Nate in the restroom? How did this happen?

"Calm down, Miaree! I'll explain later. I'll be there soon. Something's not right!"

Swiftly changing into fresh clothes and slipping on my shoes, I dashed outside, catching sight of Ares diligently setting the table.

"Where are you off to, hon? The fish soup is ready!"

"I have to go to school. There's something I need to attend to. I'll be back soon!"

"But I worked hard all morning to cook this. Can't you try it before leaving?" Ares pouted.

He looked adorable, but my sense of urgency wouldn't let me linger. "I'm sorry! It's really urgent. Just wait for me to return! Time is of the essence. I'm taking a taxi. Goodbye!" I waved as I hurriedly closed the door and sprinted outside.

...

ARES

"Time is running out. I'm taking a taxi. I'm leaving. Goodbye!"

She left me all alone before I could... I, the CEO of Vueravista Company, had personally cooked for Kianna Myst Saavedra! And she didn't even have a chance to taste it!

Tears welled up in my eyes. "You're really pushing it! How could you do this when I care about you so much? You can't just treat me like this! You naughty girl!"

Sobbing, I felt deeply hurt.